Electrosurgical instruments

Abstract

To provide electrosurgical instruments with excellent workability. [Solution] The electrosurgical instrument has an insulating, flattened rod-shaped base of a predetermined length having two conductive patterns formed at a predetermined interval along its longitudinal direction. One conductive pattern is formed in such a manner that it can come into contact with biological tissue near the tip, which is one end of the base, and the other conductive pattern is formed in such a manner that it can come into contact with biological tissue near the tip of the base. One conductive pattern is electrically connected to one pole of a high-frequency signal source, and the other conductive pattern is electrically connected to the other pole of the source. The two conductive patterns are formed in such a manner that impedance matching is possible with respect to high-frequency signals.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to an electrosurgical instrument.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes electrosurgical instruments such as an electric scalpel and electric forceps. In order to prevent adhesion to tissues such as skin, muscle, and blood vessels, the tip of the energizing member is coated with a conductive material having higher conductivity than the energizing member, and an insulating layer is coated on the conductive material, the energizing member, and the boundary between the two, leaving the tip of the conductive material. A structure is provided in which a portion not covered with the insulating layer is used as a working part.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008] Another means is an electrosurgical instrument comprising two insulating, flattened rod-shaped bases of a predetermined length, each having two conductive patterns formed at a predetermined interval along its longitudinal direction, wherein the two bases are arranged so that the two conductive patterns of each base face each other, and the two bases are supported in a manner that allows the surgeon to control the distance between the two bases so that biological tissue can be sandwiched between them, wherein the conductive patterns formed on each of the two bases are formed in such a manner that they can come into contact with the biological tissue near the tip, which is one end of the base, and the one conductive pattern of each of the two bases is electrically connected to one pole of a high-frequency signal source, and the other conductive pattern of each of the two bases is electrically connected to the other pole of the source.

[0009] Further issues disclosed in this application, and methods for solving them, will be made clear in the section on embodiments for carrying out the invention and in the drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrosurgical instrument with excellent workability. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1A]This is a perspective view of the probe from diagonally above. [Figure 1B] This is a perspective view of the probe from a diagonal downward angle. [Figure 2A] This diagram shows the probe attached to the detachable mechanism, and is a view of the probe from diagonally above. [Figure 2B] This diagram shows the probe attached to the detachable mechanism, and is a view of the probe from a diagonal angle below. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates the connection state between each conductive pattern and each pole of the signal line for high-frequency signals. [Figure 4] This diagram shows a surgeon performing a surgical procedure using an electrosurgical unit. [Figure 5A] This is a diagram showing the variations of the probe. [Figure 5B] This is a diagram showing the variations of the probe. [Figure 6A] This is a perspective view of electric tweezers from a diagonal angle above. [Figure 6B] This is a diagram showing electric tweezers viewed from the -x direction. [Figure 7] This is a diagram (circuit block diagram) showing an example of an electrosurgical device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are merely illustrative examples for explaining the present invention, and have been omitted or simplified as appropriate for clarity of explanation.

[0013] In the following explanations, identical or similar configurations may be assigned the same code, and redundant explanations may be omitted. Furthermore, in the following explanations, when it is necessary to distinguish between similar configurations individually, a code that refers to similar configurations as a whole may be followed by an identifier for each individual configuration (number, alphabet, etc.).

[0014] [probe] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B show the configuration of an electrosurgical instrument (hereinafter referred to as "probe 10") used in an apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "electrosurgical apparatus 1") that uses energy such as Joule heat generated by passing a high-frequency signal to perform incision or hemostasis of biological tissue. The probe 10 is a component of an electrosurgical knife or electrosurgical forceps (electrosurgical tweezers) that directly contacts biological tissue, and is a replaceable (disposable) member in the electrosurgical apparatus 1.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the probe 10 has a flat bar-shaped base body 11 having a predetermined length, and first conductive patterns 12u, first conductive patterns 12d, second conductive patterns 13u, and second conductive patterns 13d formed at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the base body 11.

[0016] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a three-dimensional coordinate system (xyz right-handed coordinate system) is set in the directions indicated by the arrow lines in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Specifically, the x-axis is set in the direction in which the base body 11 extends (the longitudinal direction of the base body 11), the y-axis is set in the direction perpendicular to the x-axis in the plane of the base body 11, and the z-axis is set in the direction perpendicular to both the x-axis and the y-axis.

[0017] In the following description, the +z-side surface of the base body 11 is referred to as the upper surface, and the -z-side surface of the base body 11 facing the upper surface is referred to as the lower surface. In the above coordinate system, FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the probe 10 viewed from the directions of +x, -y, +z (diagonally upward), and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the probe 10 viewed from the directions of +x, +y, -z (diagonally downward).

[0018] The base body 11 is made of an insulating material with excellent high-frequency characteristics (for example, one using Teflon (registered trademark) or a glass epoxy plate material). Further, the first conductive patterns 12u, the first conductive patterns 12d, the second conductive patterns 13u, and the second conductive patterns 13d (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as "each conductive pattern") are made of a conductive material such as copper.

[0019] Each conductive pattern has a similar width (length in the y-direction) and is formed over a length (length in the x-direction) that is approximately the same as the longitudinal direction of the substrate 11.

[0020] The first conductive pattern 12u formed on the upper surface of the substrate 11 and the first conductive pattern 12d formed on the lower surface of the substrate 11 are formed in a symmetrical position range with respect to the substrate 11, except for the vicinity of the +x side end of the substrate 11.

[0021] The second conductive pattern 13u formed on the upper surface of the substrate 11 and the second conductive pattern 13d formed on the lower surface of the substrate 11 are formed in a position range symmetrical with respect to the substrate 11, except for the vicinity of the +x side end of the substrate 11.

[0022] Furthermore, near the +x end of the base 11, the length and shape of each conductive pattern are set (adjusted) within a range that does not significantly affect the impedance described later, in order to adjust the position of contact with the terminal boards (first terminal board 22a, second terminal board 22b) described later.

[0023] Through-holes 14a are formed near the +x-side end of the substrate 11 of the first conductive pattern 12u and near the +x-side end of the substrate 11 of the first conductive pattern 12d, and the first conductive pattern 12u and the first conductive pattern 12d are electrically connected by the through-holes 14a.

[0024] Through-holes 14b are formed near the +x-side end of the substrate 11 of the second conductive pattern 13u and near the +x-side end of the substrate 11 of the second conductive pattern 13d, and the second conductive pattern 13u and the second conductive pattern 13d are electrically connected by the through-holes 14b.

[0025] Each conductive pattern extends to the -x end of the base 11 so that the probe 10 can be directly brought into contact with the biological tissue being targeted during the surgical procedure when the surgeon manipulates it. Thus, each conductive pattern (first conductive pattern 12u, first conductive pattern 12d, second conductive pattern 13u, and second conductive pattern 13d) is formed in such a manner that it can come into contact with biological tissue at the -x end of the base 11.

[0026] Each conductive pattern is configured (formed, adjusted) in such a manner (length and shape) that impedance matching can be achieved between conductive patterns to which opposite polarity lines of signal lines (coaxial cables, parallel lines, etc.) supplying the aforementioned high-frequency signals are connected.

[0027] Near the -x end of the base 11, a protrusion projecting in the +y direction (hereinafter referred to as the "first protrusion 111a"), a recess adjacent to the +x side of the first protrusion 111a and recessed in the -y direction (hereinafter referred to as the "first recess 112a"), and a protrusion adjacent to the +x side of the first recess 112a and projecting in the +y direction (hereinafter referred to as the "second protrusion 113a") are formed.

[0028] Near the -x end of the base 11, a protrusion projecting in the -y direction (hereinafter referred to as the "first protrusion 111b"), a recess adjacent to the +x side of the first protrusion 111b and recessed in the +y direction (hereinafter referred to as the "first recess 112b"), and a protrusion adjacent to the +x side of the first recess 112b and projecting in the -y direction (hereinafter referred to as the "second protrusion 113b") are formed.

[0029] [Detachable mechanism] As described above, the probe 10 is a replaceable component of the electrosurgical device 1 and functions as an electrosurgical scalpel or electric forceps by being attached in a detachable manner to a mechanism having terminals to which high-frequency signals are supplied (hereinafter referred to as the "detachable mechanism 20").

[0030] Figures 2A and 2B show the probe 10 attached to the detachment mechanism 20. Note that the coordinate system in these figures is the same as the coordinate system of the probe 10 shown in Figures 1A and 1B.

[0031] Figure 2A is a perspective view of the probe 10 and attachment / detachment mechanism 20 viewed from the +x, -y, and +z directions (diagonally upward), and Figure 2B is a perspective view of the probe 10 and attachment / detachment mechanism 20 viewed from the +x, +y, and -z directions (diagonally downward).

[0032] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the attachment / detachment mechanism 20 includes a housing 21, a first terminal plate 22a and a second terminal plate 22b fixed inside the housing 21, and a biasing mechanism 23 provided on the +x side of the +x end of the probe 10 mounted on the housing 21. The first terminal plate 22a and the second terminal plate 22b are fixed inside the housing 21, indicated by the dashed line in the figures, with a gap between them just large enough to allow the probe 10 to be inserted. The shape of the housing 21 shown is illustrative and is not limited to the example shown.

[0033] The housing 21 has an opening 211 on the -x side that is large enough to insert the base 11. The housing 21 is made of a material such as resin and constitutes a part that serves as a handle when the surgeon performs a surgical procedure.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2A, the first terminal plate 22a has a first terminal plate bent portion 221a that bends toward the -y side in a shape that follows the surface of the first recess 112a of the base body 11, a first terminal plate plate-like portion 222a that extends in the +x direction from the first terminal plate bent portion 221a and has a surface facing the top surface of the second protrusion 113a of the base body 11, and a first terminal plate contact plate 223a that extends in the -y direction from the +z side surface near the center of the first terminal plate plate-like portion 222a to a length that reaches the first conductive pattern 12u. The first terminal plate contact plate 223a also has a first terminal plate protrusion portion 2231a on its -z side surface that electrically contacts the surface of the first conductive pattern 12u at its apex.

[0035] Near the +x end of the plate-shaped portion 222a of the first terminal board, a slit-shaped first connection portion 224a is formed, which opens at that end and has a circular hole on the -x side. One pole of the signal line that supplies a high-frequency signal to the first terminal board 22a is connected to the first connection portion 224a. The method of connecting the signal line and the first terminal board 22a is not limited and may be done by other methods such as crimping.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2B, the second terminal plate 22b has a second terminal plate bent portion 221b that bends toward the +y side in a shape that follows the surface of the first recess 112b of the base body 11, a second terminal plate plate-like portion 222b that extends in the +x direction from the second terminal plate bent portion 221b and has a surface facing the top surface of the second protrusion 113b of the base body 11, and a second terminal plate contact plate 223b that extends in the +y direction from the -z side surface near the center of the second terminal plate plate-like portion 222b to a length that reaches the second conductive pattern 13d. The first terminal plate contact plate 223a has a second terminal plate protrusion portion 2231b on its +z side surface that electrically contacts the surface of the second conductive pattern 13d at its apex.

[0037] Near the +x end of the plate-shaped portion 222b of the second terminal board, a slit-shaped second connection portion 224b is formed, which opens at that end and has a circular hole on the -x side. The other pole of the signal line that supplies a high-frequency signal to the second terminal board 22b is connected to the second connection portion 224b. The method of connecting the signal line and the second terminal board 22b is not limited and may be done by other methods such as crimping.

[0038] In this example, the first terminal board 22a and the second terminal board 22b are made identical in shape for the purpose of ensuring productivity and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0039] The biasing mechanism 23 contacts the +x end of the probe 10, which is mounted on the housing 21, and applies a biasing force to the probe 10 in the -x direction. In this example, a helical spring is used as the biasing mechanism 23.

[0040] [Attaching and detaching the probe] When attaching the probe 10 to the attachment / detachment mechanism 20, the operator faces the probe 10 with its +x end face toward the opening 211 and pushes it in through the opening 211 of the housing 21 until the end face contacts the biasing mechanism 23 and the biasing mechanism 23 is pushed in. As a result, the first terminal plate bend portion 221a of the first terminal plate 22a overcomes the second convex portion 113a of the base body 11 and fits into the first recess 112a. Similarly, the second terminal plate bend portion 221b of the second terminal plate 22b also fits into the first recess 112b of the base body 11. Thus, the probe 10 is attached to the attachment / detachment mechanism 20.

[0041] On the other hand, when detaching the probe 10 from the detachment mechanism 20 (removing it from the housing 21), the operator pushes the probe 10 slightly in the +x direction with their hand, sliding the first terminal plate bend portion 221a into contact with the first convex portion 111a of the base body 11 (similarly, the second terminal plate bend portion 221b slides into contact with the first convex portion 111b of the base body 11). This releases the engagement between the probe 10 and the first recesses 112a and 112b of the base body 11. After that, when the operator releases their hand from the probe 10, the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 23 causes the probe 10 to spring out in the -x direction, and the probe 10 detaches from the detachment mechanism 20.

[0042] [Connection between poles] Figure 3 is a view of the probe 10 attached to the detachable mechanism 20 from the -x direction, illustrating the connection status of each pole of the signal line supplying the high-frequency signal to each conductive pattern of the probe 10 (first conductive pattern 12u, first conductive pattern 12d, second conductive pattern 13u, second conductive pattern 13d). For the sake of explanation, in the following, one pole of the two-wire signal line will be referred to as "pole A" and the other pole as "pole B".

[0043] As shown in the figure, the A pole of the signal line is electrically connected to the first conductive pattern 12u and the first conductive pattern 12d via the first terminal board 22a. The A pole of the first conductive pattern 12d is electrically connected via a through-hole 14a (not shown in the figure).

[0044] Furthermore, the B pole of the signal line is electrically connected to the second conductive pattern 13u and the second conductive pattern 13d via the second terminal board 22b. The B pole of the second conductive pattern 13u is electrically connected via a through-hole 14b (not shown in the figure).

[0045] With each pole of the signal line connected to each conductive pattern in the manner shown in the figure, for example, when the operator manipulates the probe 10 to bring the first conductive pattern 12u and the second conductive pattern 13u into contact with biological tissue simultaneously, a high-frequency current flows between them, allowing the biological tissue present between them to be cauterized.

[0046] Furthermore, for example, if the operator manipulates the probe 10 to bring the first conductive pattern 12d and the second conductive pattern 13d into contact with biological tissue simultaneously, a high-frequency current will flow between them, allowing the biological tissue present between them to be cauterized.

[0047] Furthermore, for example, if the operator operates the electrosurgical unit 2 to simultaneously bring all conductive patterns (first conductive pattern 12u, first conductive pattern 12d, second conductive pattern 13u, second conductive pattern 13d) into contact with biological tissue, a high-frequency current flows between the first conductive pattern 12u and the second conductive pattern 13u and second conductive pattern 13d, and between the first conductive pattern 12d and the second conductive pattern 13u and second conductive pattern 13d, thereby cauterizing the biological tissue present between each conductive pattern.

[0048] Furthermore, the probe 10, having the above configuration, has each conductive pattern formed at predetermined intervals in different positional ranges on the same substrate 11, making it difficult for the A pole and B pole of the signal line to directly contact (short-circuit), thus improving workability.

[0049] [Electrosurgical unit] Figure 4 shows how surgeon J performs surgical procedures (incision, hemostasis, etc.) on biological tissue S using the probe 10, which has the above configuration, as an electrosurgical unit 2. Surgeon J can perform a wide variety of surgical procedures by, for example, changing the contact state between each conductive pattern of the electrosurgical unit 2 and the biological tissue.

[0050] [Variations of probes] Figures 5A and 5B both show modified (varied) versions of the probe 10. As shown in Figure 5A, the base 11 may, for example, have a tip (the -x side end) shaped like the tip of a blade (a pointed shape). Also, as shown in Figure 5B, the base 11 may, for example, have a triangular tip.

[0051] In the above description, conductive patterns were provided on both the upper and lower surfaces of the base 11 of the probe 10. However, the conductive patterns may be provided on only one of the surfaces of the base 11, for example, by providing the first conductive pattern 12u and the second conductive pattern 13u only on the upper surface of the base 11, or by providing the first conductive pattern 12d and the second conductive pattern 13d only on the lower surface of the base 11.

[0052] Furthermore, the distance between adjacent conductive patterns (between the first conductive pattern 12d and the second conductive pattern 13d, between the first conductive pattern 12u and the second conductive pattern 13u, between the first conductive pattern 12d and the second conductive pattern 13u, and between the second conductive pattern 13d and the first conductive pattern 12u) is set to be less than or equal to twice the cauterization depth, which is determined according to the frequency of the high-frequency signal supplied to the conductive pattern. By doing so, the entire biological tissue present between adjacent conductive patterns can be efficiently cauterized. If it is desired to intentionally leave a portion of the biological tissue sandwiched between adjacent conductive patterns uncauterized (to leave an uncauterized portion), the distance between adjacent conductive patterns should be made greater than twice the above-mentioned cauterization depth.

[0053] Furthermore, the area near the -x end of adjacent conductive patterns (first conductive pattern 12d and second conductive pattern 13d, first conductive pattern 12u and second conductive pattern 13u, first conductive pattern 12d and second conductive pattern 13u, second conductive pattern 13d and first conductive pattern 12u) may be made different. By doing so, the effect of high-frequency current on biological tissue can be made different between adjacent conductive patterns, thereby meeting the diverse needs of the surgeon.

[0054] [Electric tweezers] By the way, although the above describes the case where probe 10 is used as an electrosurgical unit 2, it is also possible to construct an electrotweezers using probe 10 with a similar configuration.

[0055] Figure 6A shows an example of an electric tweezers 3 configured using probe 10. As shown in the figure, the illustrated electric tweezers 3 includes a first arm 31a, a second arm 31b, a pivot block 32, a first screw 33a, a second screw 33b, a first probe 10a, a second probe 10b, a first housing 21a for the first probe 10a, and a second housing 21b for the second probe 10b.

[0056] The basic configuration of the first probe 10a and the second probe 10b is the same as that of the probe 10 shown in Figures 1A and 1B. Furthermore, the basic configuration of the first housing 21a and the second housing 21b is the same as that of the housing 21 shown in Figures 2A and 2B.

[0057] The first probe 10a and the second probe 10b constitute the gripping portion (grip portion) of the electric forceps 3, which holds biological tissue between them.

[0058] For the sake of explanation, a three-dimensional coordinate system (xyz right-handed coordinate system) is set in the direction indicated by the arrows in the figure below. The directions of the first probe 10a and the second probe 10b in this coordinate system coincide with the direction of probe 10 shown in Figures 1A and 1B, etc.

[0059] The first housing 21a is fixed to the first arm 31a by the first screw 33a or by adhesive. Similarly, the second housing 21b is fixed to the second arm 31b by the second screw 33b or by adhesive.

[0060] The vicinity of the +x end of the first arm 31a and the vicinity of the +x end of the second arm 31b are connected (for example, bonded with adhesive) by a pivot block 32. The surgeon can move their fingers to bring the first arm 31a and the second arm 31b closer together so that the -X side portions of each pivot block 32 come closer, thereby allowing them to sandwich the biological tissue to be surgically treated between the first probe 10a and the second probe 10b.

[0061] Figure 6B is a view of the electrical tweezers 3 from the -x direction, illustrating the connection state between each pole of the signal line (not shown in the figure) supplying a high-frequency signal, and the conductive patterns (first conductive pattern 12u, second conductive pattern 13u) formed on the lower surface of the first probe 10a and the conductive patterns (first conductive pattern 12u, second conductive pattern 13u) formed on the upper surface of the second probe 10b.

[0062] In the example electric tweezers 3, the conductive patterns on the upper surface of the first probe 10a (first conductive pattern 12u, second conductive pattern 13u) and the conductive patterns on the lower surface of the second probe 10b (first conductive pattern 12d, second conductive pattern 13d) are not used. In other words, in this example, the same configuration is used for the first probe 10a and the second probe 10b, so when used in electric tweezers 3, the conductive pattern on one side is not used. However, by using the same configuration for the first probe 10a and the second probe 10b in this way, it is possible to improve the productivity of the probes 10 and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0063] As shown in the figure, the A pole of the signal line is electrically connected to the first conductive pattern 12d of the first probe 10a via the first terminal plate 22a of the first housing 21a. Similarly, the A pole of the signal line is electrically connected to the first conductive pattern 12u of the second probe 10b via the first terminal plate 22a of the second housing 21b.

[0064] Furthermore, the B pole of the signal line is electrically connected to the second conductive pattern 13d of the first probe 10a via the second terminal plate 22b of the first housing 21a. Also, the B pole of the signal line is electrically connected to the second conductive pattern 13u of the second probe 10b via the second terminal plate 22b of the second housing 21b.

[0065] If the wires of each pole of the signal line are connected to the respective conductive patterns as shown in the figure, then when the surgeon operates the electric forceps 3 and places the biological tissue to be surgically treated between the first probe 10a and the second probe 10b, a high-frequency current can flow between, for example, the first conductive pattern 12d of the first probe 10a and the second conductive pattern 13d of the first probe 10a, thereby cauterizing the biological tissue. Alternatively, a high-frequency current can flow between, for example, the first conductive pattern 12d of the first probe 10a and the second conductive pattern 13u of the second probe 10b, thereby cauterizing the biological tissue. Furthermore, a high-frequency current can flow between, for example, the first conductive pattern 12u of the second probe 10b and the second conductive pattern 13u of the second probe 10b, thereby cauterizing the biological tissue.

[0066] In the example electric tweezers 3, the first conductive pattern 12d of the first probe 10a and the first conductive pattern 12u of the opposing second probe 10b are connected to the same A-pole wire of the signal line. Also, the second conductive pattern 13d of the first probe 10a and the second conductive pattern 13u of the opposing second probe 10b are connected to the same B-pole wire of the signal line. Therefore, even if the electric tweezers 3 is accidentally closed when no biological tissue is present, and the first probe 10a and the second probe 10b come into contact, a short circuit will not occur, and the electric tweezers 3 in this example offer excellent workability.

[0067] Incidentally, as with electrosurgical unit 2, the distance between adjacent conductive patterns (between the first conductive pattern 12d and the second conductive pattern 13d of the first probe 10a, and between the first conductive pattern 12u and the second conductive pattern 13u of the second probe 10b) is set to, for example, no more than twice the cauterization depth, which is determined according to the frequency of the high-frequency signal supplied to the conductive pattern. By doing so, the entire biological tissue present between adjacent conductive patterns can be efficiently and reliably cauterized. If it is desired to intentionally leave a portion of the biological tissue sandwiched between adjacent conductive patterns uncauterized (to leave an uncauterized portion), the distance between adjacent conductive patterns should be made greater than twice the above-mentioned cauterization depth.

[0068] Furthermore, the area near the -x-side end of adjacent conductive patterns (the first conductive pattern 12d and the second conductive pattern 13d of the first probe 10a, the first conductive pattern 12u and the second conductive pattern 13u of the second probe 10b, the first conductive pattern 12d of the first probe 10a and the first conductive pattern 12u of the second probe 10b, the second conductive pattern 13d of the first probe 10a and the second conductive pattern 13u of the second probe 10b, the first conductive pattern 12d of the first probe 10a and the second conductive pattern 13u of the second probe 10b, and the second conductive pattern 13d of the second probe 10b and the first conductive pattern 12u of the second probe 10b) may be made different. By doing so, the effect of high-frequency current on biological tissue can be made different between adjacent conductive patterns, thereby meeting the diverse needs of the operator.

[0069] [Example of an electrosurgical device] Figure 7 shows an example of an electrosurgical apparatus 1 to which the probe 10 described above is applied. As shown in the figure, the example electrosurgical apparatus 1 includes a power supply circuit 51, a high-frequency signal generation circuit 52, a high-frequency signal output circuit 53, a control circuit 54, and a user interface 55.

[0070] The power supply circuit 51 includes an AC / DC converter and a boost circuit, and supplies DC or AC power to each circuit constituting the electrosurgical apparatus 1.

[0071] The high-frequency signal generation circuit 52 includes an oscillator circuit, a frequency conversion circuit (frequency multiplier circuit), a signal amplification circuit, etc., and generates a high-frequency signal (for example, a signal of several MHz) to be supplied to the probe 10.

[0072] The high-frequency signal output circuit 53 includes an output transformer for impedance matching and power control to supply a high-frequency signal to the signal line 60, and connection terminals for each pole of the signal line 60. The aforementioned probe 10 is supplied with a high-frequency signal from the high-frequency signal output circuit 53 via the signal line 60.

[0073] The control circuit 54 controls, monitors, and warns the high-frequency signal generation circuit 52. Specifically, the control circuit 54 switches the operating mode (incision mode, coagulation (hemostasis) mode) according to the surgical procedure, controls the output level of the high-frequency signal, and monitors and warns of poor contact or leakage current of the probe 10, leakage current, overload, etc.

[0074] The user interface 55 includes input devices (operation panel (numeric keypad, touch panel, etc.), foot switch, buttons, knobs, etc.) for adjusting the output level of high-frequency signals and switching operating modes, and output devices (display panel (LCD monitor, OLED monitor, etc.), light-emitting diode, speaker, etc.) for informing the user, such as the surgeon, of the operating status and warnings of the electrosurgical device 1.

[0075] [Technical effects, etc.] As described above, the electrosurgical instrument of this embodiment has an insulating, flattened rod-shaped base of a predetermined length having two conductive patterns formed at a predetermined interval along its longitudinal direction. One conductive pattern is formed in such a manner that it can come into contact with biological tissue near the tip, which is one end of the base, and the other conductive pattern is formed in such a manner that it can come into contact with biological tissue near the tip of the base. One conductive pattern is electrically connected to one pole of a high-frequency signal source, and the other conductive pattern is electrically connected to the other pole of the source. The portion of one conductive pattern that can come into contact with biological tissue near the tip of the base and the portion of the other conductive pattern that can come into contact with biological tissue near the tip are formed in such a manner that they can come into contact with biological tissue simultaneously. The electrosurgical instrument constitutes, for example, a replaceable probe for an electrosurgical scalpel or electric forceps in an electrosurgical apparatus.

[0076] Thus, the electrosurgical instrument of this embodiment has a structure in which the poles of a high-frequency signal supply source are electrically connected to two conductive patterns that are formed on the same base at a predetermined distance apart and are capable of contacting biological tissue. As a result, the two conductive patterns do not come into contact with each other, and short circuits can be reliably prevented. Furthermore, since surgical procedures can be performed by simultaneously bringing the two conductive patterns into contact with biological tissue, the electrosurgical instrument of this embodiment offers excellent workability.

[0077] Furthermore, the two conductive patterns are formed in a manner that allows for impedance matching with respect to the supplied high-frequency signal. As a result, the power of the high-frequency signal can be efficiently transmitted to biological tissue, enabling efficient surgical procedures.

[0078] Furthermore, the electrosurgical instrument has a detachable mechanism that connects to the rear end, which is the other end of the base. The detachable mechanism has a first terminal plate electrically connected to one pole and a second terminal plate electrically connected to the other pole, and the base is detachably held between the first and second terminal plates. Thus, since the electrosurgical instrument has a detachable mechanism for a base (probe) having two conductive patterns, the base can be easily replaced. Also, since the detachable mechanism is composed of a first terminal plate and a second terminal plate that also function as electrodes, the detachable mechanism can be constructed with a simple structure, which simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0079] Furthermore, the conductive pattern on one side and the conductive pattern on the other side are formed such that the area of ​​one conductive pattern and the area of ​​the other conductive pattern are different. This makes it possible to make the effect of one conductive pattern on biological tissue different from the effect of the other conductive pattern on biological tissue, thereby meeting the diverse needs of surgeons who perform surgical procedures using the probe as an electrosurgical unit or the like.

[0080] Furthermore, the distance between one portion of the conductive pattern that can come into contact with biological tissue near the tip of the substrate and the other portion of the conductive pattern that can come into contact with biological tissue near the tip is set to, for example, no more than twice the cauterization depth determined by the frequency of the high-frequency signal. By doing so, the entire biological tissue sandwiched between the two can be efficiently and reliably cauterized.

[0081] Furthermore, the shape of the tip of the base can be, for example, a roughly square shape, a roughly triangular shape, or the shape of a blade tip. In this way, the shape of the tip of the base can be flexibly selected according to the surgical technique and the surgeon's preference.

[0082] Furthermore, the substrate has an upper surface and a lower surface, and two conductive patterns are formed on each of the upper and lower surfaces. By configuring the probe in this way, probes with the same structure can be used for multiple purposes, which is expected to improve the productivity and reduce the cost of probes.

[0083] Furthermore, the electrosurgical instrument has two insulating, flattened rod-shaped bases of a predetermined length, each having two conductive patterns formed at a predetermined distance along its longitudinal direction. The two bases are positioned so that the two conductive patterns of each base face each other, and the two bases are supported in a manner that allows the surgeon to control the distance between them so that biological tissue can be sandwiched between them. The conductive patterns formed on each of the two bases are formed in such a manner that they can come into contact with biological tissue near the tip, which is one end of the base. One conductive pattern of each of the two bases is electrically connected to one pole of a high-frequency signal source, and the other conductive pattern of each of the two bases is electrically connected to the other pole of the source. The electrosurgical instrument can, for example, constitute a replaceable probe for electric forceps in an electrosurgical apparatus.

[0084] In this way, the two substrates are supported in a way that allows the operator to control the distance between them, with one conductive pattern of each (conductive patterns with the same poles connected) facing each other and the other conductive pattern of each (conductive patterns with the same poles connected) facing each other, so that biological tissue can be sandwiched between them. This ensures that contact between conductive patterns with different poles connected is reliably prevented, and thus prevents short circuits.

[0085] Incidentally, the above embodiments are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit its interpretation. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and equivalents thereof are also included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1 Electrosurgical device, 2 Electrosurgical unit, 3 Electrotweezers, 10 Probe, 11 Base, 111a,b First protrusion, 112a,b First recess, 113a,b Second protrusion, 12u,d First conductive pattern, 13u,d Second conductive pattern, 14a,b Through hole, 20 Detachable mechanism, 21 Housing, 211 Opening, 22a First terminal board, 221a First terminal board bend, 222a First terminal board plate-like part, 223a First terminal board contact plate, 2231a First terminal board protrusion, 22b Second terminal board, 221b Second terminal board bend, 222b Second terminal board plate-like part, 223b Second terminal board contact plate, 2231b Second terminal board protrusion, 224a First connection part, 224b Second connection part, 23 Biasing mechanism, 31a first arm, 31b second arm, 32 pivot block, 10a first probe, 10b second probe, 21a first housing, 21b second housing

Claims

1. It has an insulating, flattened rod-shaped substrate of a predetermined length, having two conductive patterns formed at a predetermined interval along its longitudinal direction, One of the conductive patterns is formed in such a manner that it can come into contact with biological tissue near the tip, which is one end of the substrate. The other conductive pattern is formed in such a manner that it can come into contact with the biological tissue near the tip of the substrate. The aforementioned conductive pattern is electrically connected to one pole of the high-frequency signal source. The other conductive pattern is electrically connected to the other pole of the supply source. Electrosurgical instruments.

2. An electrosurgical device according to claim 1, The two conductive patterns are formed in such a manner that impedance matching is possible with respect to the high-frequency signal. Electrosurgical instruments.

3. An electrosurgical device according to claim 1, The base has a detachment mechanism that connects to the vicinity of the rear end, which is the other end of the base, The attachment / detachment mechanism includes a first terminal plate electrically connected to one of the poles and a second terminal plate electrically connected to the other pole. The base is detachably sandwiched between the first terminal plate and the second terminal plate. Electrosurgical instruments.

4. An electrosurgical device according to claim 1, The portion of one conductive pattern that can come into contact with biological tissue near the tip of the substrate, and the portion of the other conductive pattern that can come into contact with the biological tissue near the tip, are formed in such a manner that they can come into contact with the biological tissue simultaneously. Electrosurgical instruments.

5. The electrosurgical device according to claim 4, The one conductive pattern and the other conductive pattern are formed such that the area of ​​the portion of the one conductive pattern and the area of ​​the portion of the other conductive pattern are different. Electrosurgical instruments.

6. The electrosurgical device according to claim 4, The distance between one portion of the conductive pattern that can come into contact with biological tissue near the tip of the substrate and the other portion of the conductive pattern that can come into contact with biological tissue near the tip is less than or equal to twice the cauterization depth determined by the frequency of the high-frequency signal. Electrosurgical instruments.

7. An electrosurgical device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The shape of the tip of the base is one of the following: roughly square, roughly triangular, or the shape of a blade tip. Electrosurgical instruments.

8. An electrosurgical device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The substrate having the two conductive patterns constitutes a replaceable probe for an electrosurgical unit. Electrosurgical instruments.

9. An electrosurgical device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The two conductive patterns are formed on one surface of the substrate and on the other surface of the substrate, respectively. Electrosurgical instruments.

10. It has two insulating, flattened rod-shaped substrates of a predetermined length, each having two conductive patterns formed at a predetermined interval along its longitudinal direction. The two substrates are arranged such that the two conductive patterns of each are facing each other. The two substrates are supported such that the operator can control the distance between them so that biological tissue can be sandwiched between them, with the conductive patterns of one of each substrate facing each other and the conductive patterns of the other of each substrate facing each other. The conductive patterns formed on each of the two substrates are formed in such a manner that they can come into contact with the biological tissue near the tip, which is one end of the substrate. The conductive pattern on one of the two substrates is electrically connected to one pole of the high-frequency signal source. The conductive pattern of the other of each of the two substrates is electrically connected to the other pole of the supply source. Electrosurgical instruments.

11. The electrosurgical device according to claim 10, The conductive patterns of each of the two substrates are formed in such a manner that impedance matching is possible between them with respect to the high-frequency signal. Electrosurgical instruments.

12. The electrosurgical device according to claim 10, Each of the two bases is provided with a detachable mechanism that connects to the vicinity of the other end, which is the rear end. The attachment / detachment mechanism includes a first terminal plate electrically connected to one of the poles and a second terminal plate electrically connected to the other pole. The two bases are each detachably sandwiched between the first terminal plate and the second terminal plate, respectively. Electrosurgical instruments.

13. The electrosurgical device according to claim 10, In each of the two substrates, the distance between the portion of the conductive pattern of one substrate that can come into contact with biological tissue near the tip of the other substrate that can come into contact with biological tissue near the tip of the other substrate is less than or equal to twice the cauterization depth determined by the frequency of the high-frequency signal. Electrosurgical instruments.

14. An electrosurgical device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, The substrate constitutes a replaceable probe for an electric forceps in an electrosurgical device. Electrosurgical instruments.

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